Does licking your lips when they’re chapped really help?

Licking your lips when they’re chapped will not make them better. In fact, according to the Dermatology Clinic at UAMS, licking your lips can actually make things worse.

Chapped lips are caused by a number of factors. For most people, the weather is the main cause of chapped lips. Strong winds, extreme temperatures and sun exposure can leave your lips dry and sore.

Additionally, what you eat and how much you drink can affect your lips. Dehydration and some nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of B-complex vitamins, can contribute to dry, chapped lips.

There are several ways to treat your chapped lips. One of the best way to treat chapped lips is to apply a lip balm. The lip balm should be reapplied after you eat or drink, or when you wipe your lips. Another easy way to help chapped lips is to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

In some rare cases, persistent chapped lips may point to a more serious condition. For severe chapped lips, or if your lips are dry and sore for a prolonged time, consult your doctor.

To learn more about the personalized care provided by our doctors using state-of-the-art technology and procedures, please visit our Medical Services section.